Employment-Based I-485 Document Checklist (Printable)

For China-born applicants in the U.S. filing an I-485 under EB-1/2/3, with a spouse and children as derivatives. Official primary sources only.

Last checked：2026-09-29

Use the I-485 09/18/26 edition. Older editions are rejected from 2026-09-18.

“USCIS will: Reject the 01/20/25 and 09/04/26 edition of Form I-485 if it is postmarked or electronically submitted on or after Sept. 18, 2026; and Only accept the 09/18/26 edition of Form I-485 if it is postmarked or electronically submitted on or after Sept. 18, 2026.” — uscis.gov/i-485

Why the edition changed: the new public charge final rule, effective 2026-09-18. EB applicants are not in an exempt category and must answer Part 9, questions 57–64 (household income, assets, liabilities, education, skills, use of means-tested benefits). These are numbers to fill in on the form, not documents to attach.

Fees (G-1055, 09/09/26 edition)

Form	Case	Paper	Online
I-485	Age 14 and over	$1,440	$1,390
I-485	Under 14 and filed together with a parent’s I-485	$950	$900
I-485 Supplement J	—	$0	$0
I-693	—	$0	$0
I-864	—	$0	$0
I-765	An I-485 filed with a fee on or after 2024-04-01 is still pending	$260	$260
I-131 (Advance Parole)	With a pending I-485; select Part 1 Item 5.A	$630	$580

G-1055 says “over the age of 14” for adults and “under 14” for children, and does not say which applies at exactly 14; both tiers are copied as written.
No separate biometric fee is charged for the I-485 (the G-1055 I-485 entry lists none).
When filing by mail you can pay by credit, debit or prepaid card by completing Form G-1450 or G-1650 (uscis.gov/g-1055).
Online filing limit: without a representative, and unless you are the I-140 self-petitioner, you may not file the I-485 online together with the underlying I-140 (uscis.gov/i-485).

Whose list：

This list is for: Principal applicant · Ticked 0 / 19

A. Forms

A1
Form I-485 (09/18/26 edition)
The green card adjustment application. One per person, and it must be signed. A parent or guardian may sign for a child under 14.
Who：
Everyone (principal, spouse and each child each file their own)
Where to get it：
Download at uscis.gov/i-485, or file online (with limits)
Lead time：
No official time given
Source：I-485 Instructions, pp. 2 and 4I-485 Instructions, pp. 2 and 4
A2
Supplement J (employer confirms the job)
If applicable
Confirms the job on the I-140 is still valid; the employer signs Parts 6–9. Not needed at filing if you file with the I-140 or while it is pending.
Who：
Principal applicant, when the I-140 is approved and the category needs a job offer. Not for EB-1A or NIW. Not for derivatives.
Where to get it：
Download at uscis.gov/i-485supj; the I-140 employer signs
Lead time：
No official time given
Note：USCIS fee: $0.
Source：I-485 Instructions p. 10; Supplement J Instructions pp. 1–2I-485 Instructions p. 10; Supplement J Instructions pp. 1–2
A3
Self-petitioner intent statement (EB-1A/NIW)
If applicable
If you filed the I-140 yourself, a signed statement that you intend to work in the field named on it. Not needed if filed together with the I-140 or while it is pending.
Who：
Principal applicant (only EB-1A/NIW self-petitioners whose I-140 is approved)
Where to get it：
Write it yourself
Lead time：
No official time given
Source：I-485 Instructions p. 10I-485 Instructions p. 10
A4
Form I-864 Affidavit of Support (most people do not need it)
Most do not need
Only if a relative filed your I-140, or a relative owns 5% or more of the company that filed it. An ordinary H-1B employer sponsorship does not need one; check the box in I-485 Part 3.
Who：
Principal and derivatives, only in the situation above
Where to get it：
uscis.gov/i-864
Lead time：
No official time given
Note：USCIS fee: $0.
Source：I-864 Instructions (08/24/26) pp. 1–2; 8 CFR 213a.2(a)(2)(i)(C); I-485 Instructions p. 13I-864 Instructions (08/24/26) pp. 1–2; 8 CFR 213a.2(a)(2)(i)(C); I-485 Instructions p. 13
A5
Form I-765 work permit (optional)
Optional
May be filed with the I-485 to get an EAD while waiting. Include 2 photos.
Who：
Everyone (voluntary)
Where to get it：
uscis.gov/i-765, category (c)(9)
Lead time：
No official time given
Note：Fee: see group F.
Source：I-765 Instructions (08/21/25)I-765 Instructions (08/21/25)
A6
Form I-131 Advance Parole (optional)
Optional
For travel while the case is pending. H-1B/L-1 holders (and H-4/L-2 family) who keep status, return to the same employer and re-enter on a valid visa are not treated as abandoning the I-485 (see “Not required” below). Include 2 photos.
Who：
Everyone (voluntary)
Where to get it：
uscis.gov/i-131, select Part 1 Item 5.A
Lead time：
No official time given
Source：uscis.gov/i-485; I-131 Instructions (01/20/25) p. 3uscis.gov/i-485; I-131 Instructions (01/20/25) p. 3
A7
G-28 / G-1145 (as needed)
If applicable
Attach G-28 if you have a lawyer; attach G-1145 if you want a text or email when USCIS accepts the filing.
Who：
Everyone (as needed)
Where to get it：
uscis.gov
Lead time：
No official time given
Source：uscis.gov/i-485uscis.gov/i-485

B. Identity and status records

B1
Photocopy of the passport photo page
A photocopy of a government photo ID; an expired passport is fine.
Who：
Everyone
Where to get it：
Copy it yourself
Lead time：
No official time given
Source：I-485 Instructions p. 8I-485 Instructions p. 8
B2
Record of your most recent entry
Copies of the I-94, the admission-stamp page and the visa page from your most recent arrival.
Who：
Everyone
Where to get it：
Print the I-94 at cbp.gov/i94
Lead time：
No official time given
Source：I-485 Instructions pp. 8–9I-485 Instructions pp. 8–9
B3
Full immigration-status history
Evidence for every entry and every period of status: each H-1B/H-4 I-797, each I-94, every F-1 I-20 (including OPT/STEM OPT notation pages), and DS-2019 for J status.
Who：
Everyone (each person’s own record)
Where to get it：
Keep your own; I-94 history at cbp.gov/i94; ask your school’s DSO for I-20s
Lead time：
No official time given
Note：An EAD from OPT/STEM OPT may be included if you have one; it is not named as a requirement in the official instructions.
Source：I-485 Instructions p. 10 (including INA 245(k))I-485 Instructions p. 10 (including INA 245(k))
B4
J-1/J-2 records (if applicable)
If applicable
If you were ever in J-1/J-2 status: all DS-2019s, the J visa and I-94; if you were subject to the two-year home-residence requirement, proof of a waiver or of compliance.
Who：
Anyone who held J status
Where to get it：
Keep your own; waivers go through I-612 / the State Department
Lead time：
No official time given
Source：I-485 Instructions p. 12I-485 Instructions p. 12

C. Civil documents (born in China)

C1
Birth notarial certificate + English translation
For people born in China: a photocopy of the notarial birth certificate from a notary office; the birth certificate must list at least one parent.
Who：
Everyone born in China
Where to get it：
A notary office at your hukou location, usual residence or place of birth
Lead time：
Legal limit: 15 working days from acceptance (time for supplementary documents or verification is not counted)
Note：Whether the translation and “conforms to the original” certificate that come with the notarial certificate satisfy USCIS’s translator certification (competence statement, signature, name, date, contact details) is not stated officially. Safe approach: if the translation page has no translator competence statement and contact details, attach a separate translation certification that meets I-485 Instructions p. 4.
Source：I-485 Instructions pp. 4, 8; State Dept. Reciprocity Schedule (China); 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3); PRC Notarization Procedure Rules Art. 35I-485 Instructions pp. 4, 8; State Dept. Reciprocity Schedule (China); 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3); PRC Notarization Procedure Rules Art. 35
C3
Proof a prior marriage ended (if applicable)
If applicable
If either spouse was married before: the divorce decree/certificate or the former spouse’s death certificate (in China, a notarial divorce certificate).
Who：
Principal or spouse with a prior marriage
Where to get it：
Notary office (divorce notarization); for a court decree, the original court
Lead time：
No official time given (notary office: 15 working days by law, as C1)
Source：I-485 Instructions p. 9; State Dept. Reciprocity Schedule (China)I-485 Instructions p. 9; State Dept. Reciprocity Schedule (China)
C5
Substitute evidence when the original cannot be obtained
If applicable
If primary evidence is unavailable, submit secondary evidence (such as school or archive records) and explain why; if that is unavailable too, two or more affidavits.
Who：
As needed
Note：The State Department China page says there are no alternate documents: notarial birth certificates can be obtained in China, so start with C1.
Source：I-485 Instructions p. 8; 8 CFR 103.2(b)(2)(i)I-485 Instructions p. 8; 8 CFR 103.2(b)(2)(i)

D. Job and immigrant category

D1
I-140 receipt or approval notice
A copy of the I-140 I-797 receipt or approval notice; if you file together with the I-140, attach the I-140 itself.
Who：
Everyone (derivatives submit the principal’s)
Where to get it：
The I-797 kept by the employer or lawyer
Lead time：
No official time given
Source：I-485 Instructions pp. 9, 19I-485 Instructions pp. 9, 19
D3
Employer job or offer letter (not listed separately by USCIS)
Not required
The current official list has no separate employment letter; the job is confirmed with Supplement J (see A2). If your lawyer asks for one, follow your lawyer.
Who：
Not applicable
Source：uscis.gov/i-485supjuscis.gov/i-485supj

E. Medical exam

E1
Form I-693 medical exam (sealed envelope)
See a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and mail the sealed envelope, unopened, with the I-485. Without it the I-485 may be rejected.
Who：
Everyone (one each)
Where to get it：
A USCIS-designated doctor (my.uscis.gov/findadoctor)
Lead time：
No official time given
Note：An exam done for another application cannot be reused; this exam is for this I-485 only. USCIS fee: $0; the doctor sets their own fee, which is not listed officially. If you file online, open the envelope and upload the form, and keep the original and the envelope.
Source：uscis.gov/i-485; I-693 Instructions (01/20/25); Policy Manual Vol. 8, Part B, Ch. 4uscis.gov/i-485; I-693 Instructions (01/20/25); Policy Manual Vol. 8, Part B, Ch. 4

F. Photos and fees

F1
2 passport-style photos (I-485)
2×2 inch color photos on a white background, taken recently; lightly print your name and A-Number on the back in pencil.
Who：
Everyone
Where to get it：
A photo studio
Lead time：
No official time given
Note：If you also file I-765 and I-131, each form needs its own 2 photos (see A5, A6): up to 6 per person.
Source：I-485 Instructions p. 8I-485 Instructions p. 8
F2
Filing fees (G-1055, 09/09/26 edition)
See the fee table at the top of the page. There is no separate biometric fee for the I-485.
Who：
Everyone
Note：For an applicant who is exactly 14, the G-1055 text is unclear; both tiers are copied as written and no reading is offered.
Source：G-1055 pp. 14–16, 38 and Appendix CG-1055 pp. 14–16, 38 and Appendix C

G. Criminal records (most people: none)

G1
Court records of any arrest, charge or conviction
If applicable
Only for people ever arrested, detained, charged or convicted anywhere in the world: certified arrest reports and disposition records. Ordinary traffic tickets with a fine under $500 are generally not needed (but they are if alcohol, drugs or injury were involved).
Who：
Anyone with such a record
Where to get it：
The local police or court
Lead time：
No official time given
Source：I-485 Instructions pp. 11–12I-485 Instructions pp. 11–12

Compiled from USCIS and other official sources for reference only; not legal advice. Check the current form instructions before filing.

Questions from China-born applicants

Can I get a birth notarial certificate without a birth certificate (medical certificate of birth)?

Yes. The official list of birth-proof documents is “one of”, and the birth certificate is only one of them.

State Department Reciprocity Schedule (China): one of three — a birth certificate or medical certificate of birth from the hospital; the Initial Birth Record from the local Public Security Bureau’s household registration department; or proof of birth from the sub-district office or the personnel department of a work unit.
The Shanghai and Wuhan judicial bureaus’ notarization guides also list alternatives, including the birth certificate, the one-child certificate and personnel-file records.
Requirements differ by notary office; follow your local notary office.

Unconfirmed：Whether a household register (hukou) alone is enough has no uniform official answer (unconfirmed).

I am in the U.S. Can a relative in China apply for me?

Yes. A birth notarial certificate can be applied for by someone else, with your written authorization.

State Department Reciprocity Schedule (China): family or friends in China can request the certificates for you with your written permission; the authorization must be in Chinese, or in English with a Chinese translation; the authorized person provides a national ID; if you live abroad, a copy of your passport is needed.
PRC Notarization Procedure Rules Art. 11: a party may authorize someone else to apply, except for certain matters closely tied to the person, which must be done in person; birth is not among the listed matters.
If the notary office requires a notarized power of attorney: Chinese embassies and consulates in the U.S. can notarize it; you must appear in person and sign in front of a consular officer, after pre-review and an appointment in the “China Consular” app; proof of lawful U.S. residence is required (such as I-797/I-94, EAD, I-20). Standard cases are completed on the 4th working day after acceptance; civil documents cost RMB 150 (in local currency).
The embassy or consulate cannot issue a birth notarial certificate for you (notarizations of births that took place in mainland China are not handled by missions abroad).
Overseas remote video notarization generally does not apply: the service requires the certificate to be used in mainland China in principle, and a birth certificate for use in the U.S. does not qualify.

Unconfirmed：Whether the authorization must itself be notarized: Art. 12 of the Rules does not list birth notarization among the matters requiring a notarized authorization, and there is no uniform official answer (unconfirmed); follow the accepting notary office.

Does the notarial certificate need a separate translation?

You need a complete English translation and a translator’s certification. Chinese notarial certificates usually come with an English translation (the State Department says the fee normally includes translation); USCIS requires the translator to certify the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent, with signature, name, date and contact details.

Sources: 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3); I-485 Instructions p. 4; Reciprocity Schedule: all notarial documents need an English translation with a certificate that it conforms to the Chinese original; normally RMB 300–500 including translation.

Unconfirmed：Whether the notary’s “translation conforms to the original” certificate alone satisfies USCIS’s translator certification is not stated officially (unconfirmed). Safe approach: if the translation page lacks a competence statement or contact details, attach a separate translation certification.

Does a birth notarial certificate expire?

Neither USCIS nor the State Department sets a validity period for a birth certificate or birth notarial certificate (no official statement found).

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs: notarial certificates on changeable facts such as marital status, no criminal record, being alive, and residence are generally valid for 6 months; birth is not among them.
Note: that statement concerns “marital status” notarizations (for example, single-status), not marriage notarizations. The USCIS instructions set no validity period for marriage certificates either.

Unconfirmed：Whether the 6-month statement applies to a marriage notarization is unconfirmed.

How long and how much does a notarization take?

Time: by law, within 15 working days of acceptance, not counting time for supplementary documents or verification (Notarization Procedure Rules Art. 35). No official time is given for mailing to the U.S. Cost: the Reciprocity Schedule says “Varies. Normally RMB 300 – 500, including translation fee.”; follow the local notary office.

Things people think they need but do not

Common belief	Actual requirement	Source
A Chinese no-criminal-record certificate / police certificate is required	The I-485 does not require it across the board. Only people arrested, detained, charged or convicted submit the related court/police records.	I-485 Instructions p. 11; the evidence checklist says “(if applicable)”
Every employer-sponsored case needs an I-864	Only if a relative filed the I-140, or a relative holds 5% or more of the filing company.	I-864 Instructions pp. 1–2; 8 CFR 213a.2(a)(2)(i)(C)
You must file I-864W to request an exemption	No; request it by completing I-485 Part 3.	I-485 Instructions p. 13
Under the new public charge rule you must attach an I-944 or proof of assets	No proof is attached at filing; you only fill in the numbers in Part 9. If USCIS needs more it will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE).	I-485 Instructions p. 13
You need an employer employment letter	When the job must be confirmed, file Supplement J instead of a job offer letter; if you file with the I-140 or while it is pending, not even Supplement J is needed at filing.	uscis.gov/i-485supj; I-485 Instructions p. 10
EB-1A / NIW also need Supplement J	No.	I-485 Instructions p. 10
You must file the G-325A biographic form	No.	I-485 Instructions p. 3: “Form G-325A is no longer required.”
You must send originals	Send photocopies only; originals you send unasked may be destroyed. The exception is the I-693: paper filings send the sealed original.	I-485 Instructions p. 4
The medical exam must be within 60 days before filing	The 60-day signature requirement was removed on 2023-03-31.	Policy Manual Vol. 8, Part B, Ch. 4, footnote 29
You must get Advance Parole before any travel while the case is pending	H-1B/L-1 holders (and H-4/L-2 family) who keep status, return to the same employer and re-enter on a valid H or L visa are not treated as abandoning the I-485.	8 CFR 245.2(a)(4)(ii)(C); I-131 Instructions (01/20/25)
Translations must come from a translation company or be notarized	The official requirement is a complete translation plus the translator’s certification (competence, accuracy, signature, name, date, contact details); no translation company or notarization is required.	8 CFR 103.2(b)(3); I-485 Instructions p. 4
Chinese notarial certificates also need an apostille / consular legalization	The I-485 instructions and evidence checklist ask only for a photocopy and an English translation and mention no legalization (no official requirement found: this is “not written”, not “explicitly not needed”).	I-485 Instructions p. 8; evidence checklist

Editions used on this page

Item	Edition	Source
Form I-485 and instructions	09/18/26 edition (only this edition accepted from 2026-09-18, no grace period)	uscis.gov/i-485
I-485 Supplement J instructions	09/18/26 edition	uscis.gov/i-485supj
Fee schedule G-1055	09/09/26 edition (USCIS page updated 2026-09-09)	uscis.gov/g-1055
I-864 instructions	08/24/26 edition	uscis.gov/i-864
I-693 instructions	01/20/25 edition (USCIS page updated 2026-07-24)	uscis.gov/i-693
I-765 instructions	08/21/25 edition	uscis.gov/i-765
I-131 instructions	01/20/25 edition	uscis.gov/i-131
State Department Reciprocity Schedule (China)	Checked against the live page in a browser on 2026-09-29 (birth, marriage and divorce sections)	travel.state.gov
Policy Manual Vol. 8, Part B, Ch. 4	Page marked “Current as of September 23, 2026”	uscis.gov/policy-manual
USCIS initial evidence checklist	Page last updated 07/08/2025 (earlier than the 09/18/26 form; the form instructions govern)	uscis.gov

Employment-Based I-485 Document Checklist (Printable)

Fees (G-1055, 09/09/26 edition)

A. Forms

Form I-485 (09/18/26 edition)

Supplement J (employer confirms the job)

Self-petitioner intent statement (EB-1A/NIW)

Form I-864 Affidavit of Support (most people do not need it)

Form I-765 work permit (optional)

Form I-131 Advance Parole (optional)

G-28 / G-1145 (as needed)

B. Identity and status records

Photocopy of the passport photo page

Record of your most recent entry

Full immigration-status history

J-1/J-2 records (if applicable)

C. Civil documents (born in China)

Birth notarial certificate + English translation

Proof a prior marriage ended (if applicable)

Substitute evidence when the original cannot be obtained

D. Job and immigrant category

I-140 receipt or approval notice

Employer job or offer letter (not listed separately by USCIS)

E. Medical exam

Form I-693 medical exam (sealed envelope)

F. Photos and fees

2 passport-style photos (I-485)

Filing fees (G-1055, 09/09/26 edition)

G. Criminal records (most people: none)

Court records of any arrest, charge or conviction

Questions from China-born applicants

Can I get a birth notarial certificate without a birth certificate (medical certificate of birth)?

I am in the U.S. Can a relative in China apply for me?

Does the notarial certificate need a separate translation?

Does a birth notarial certificate expire?

How long and how much does a notarization take?

Things people think they need but do not

Editions used on this page

Employment-Based I-485 Document Checklist (Printable)

Fees (G-1055, 09/09/26 edition)

A. Forms

Form I-485 (09/18/26 edition)

Supplement J (employer confirms the job)

Self-petitioner intent statement (EB-1A/NIW)

Form I-864 Affidavit of Support (most people do not need it)

Form I-765 work permit (optional)

Form I-131 Advance Parole (optional)

G-28 / G-1145 (as needed)

B. Identity and status records

Photocopy of the passport photo page

Record of your most recent entry

Full immigration-status history

J-1/J-2 records (if applicable)

C. Civil documents (born in China)

Birth notarial certificate + English translation

Proof a prior marriage ended (if applicable)

Substitute evidence when the original cannot be obtained

D. Job and immigrant category

I-140 receipt or approval notice

Employer job or offer letter (not listed separately by USCIS)

E. Medical exam

Form I-693 medical exam (sealed envelope)

F. Photos and fees

2 passport-style photos (I-485)

Filing fees (G-1055, 09/09/26 edition)

G. Criminal records (most people: none)

Court records of any arrest, charge or conviction

Questions from China-born applicants

Can I get a birth notarial certificate without a birth certificate (medical certificate of birth)?

I am in the U.S. Can a relative in China apply for me?

Does the notarial certificate need a separate translation?

Does a birth notarial certificate expire?

How long and how much does a notarization take?

Things people think they need but do not

Editions used on this page